By Craig Hope

MIKE Williamson admits that it was one of the proudest moments of his career to step out in front of 40,000 Geordies as a Newcastle United player.

The towering centre-back made his Gallowgate bow during Wednesday's 2-0 triumph over Crystal Palace and was an unfaltering presence at the heart of a rearguard which recorded its 17th shutout of the season.

And to crown his black-and-white debut, Williamson was also voted the sponsors' man of the match, although the new boy says that it was the reception from the Toon Army which will live longest in his memory.

"To be making my debut in front of 40,000 fans was incredible and I loved every minute," he told nufcTV.

"When I first walked out it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

"Of course I know all about the fans up here and how mad they are about their football team, so to be part of that was an incredibly proud moment and one I'll never forget."

And, reflecting on his star-man prize, clean sheet and three points, Williamson added: "It was a clean sweep in that respect.

"The three points was the most important, though, and that's what the boys were desperate for.

"Thankfully I had a few early touches to settle the nerves and I was pleased with how things went after that.

"But to keep the clean sheet and get man of the match was the icing on the cake and I couldn't have asked for any more in my first game."